The soul of a beautiful fairy angel has flown away to dwell forever among the flowers of her garden.

Shirley Ann Foley passed away on January 29, 2022. Shirley was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on August 15, 1948 to Walter and Gloria McLeod. Her dad was a sawyer in lumber mills and in her younger years, the family moved around following the work. Shirley often talked about the years she lived in Alderpoint. She attended the tiny Casterlin School and she, along with her sister and brothers, had many fun adventures playing at the river and roaming around. The family later lived in Hoopa for a few years. After that, Shirley moved to Arcata in the mid-‘60s. It was around that time that she met and fell in love with Robin Foley and they were married on March 14, 1970 — together for nearly 52 years. Shirley was mom to Nonie Oliver and Robb Foley and Nana to Emma, Sydnee, Raven, and Cole.

Shirley worked in the lab at General and St. Joseph hospitals for 30 years and she loved her work. She was very gentle and skilled at drawing blood and was often called on to do the most difficult of blood draws on the elderly and babies.

Shirley had many interests in her life. She was an expert seamstress and sewed everything from Pendleton-style shirts to designer jeans and evening dresses. Shirley loved to work in her Garden, and spent many years making it a beautiful place. However, Shirley’s real passion was making dolls. She was a true artist and her dolls are world class, dressed in gowns and costumes she sewed herself. She had many Facebook doll friends from all over the world.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mom and dad as well as her brother Buddy McLeod. She is survived by her husband Robin Foley, daughter Nonie Oliver (James), son Robb Foley (Kirsten), grandchildren Emma, Sydnee, Raven and Cole, sister Ginger Barber, brothers Jim McLeod and Johnny McLeod, and her two little dogs Sunshine and Willow.

Shirley was truly loved by all who knew her and leaves many wonderful friends.

No formal services will be held, but a small family gathering was had to honor and celebrate our Shirley/Mom/Nana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt, who were truly kind and helpful to the family.

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